The Village of Sardinia, Ohio, where a former mayor was charged with embezzlement, placed all its police officers on administrative leave, according to a message posted on the village’s website. The police chief has also been placed on leave.
Here’s what we know.
Why did Sardinia, Ohio, place its police department on leave?
Mayor Dusty Puckett sent a notice to Sardinia residents informing them of the police department being placed on leave, according to WCPO. The notice is effective immediately as the village conducts an investigation, according to Fox19.
“Notice: All officers of the Sardinia Police Department have been placed on administrative leave effective immediately pending the outcome of an ongoing investigation,” the message on the Sardinia village website reads. “This has been done to ensure the integrity of the investigative process and to maintain public trust and transparency.”
Public Safety Director Robert Feinen and Police Chief Brian Perry are listed on the police department section on the village’s website
Puckett previously served as the village’s president pro-temp, according to the village website, which lists Ashlie Webster as mayor. She resigned from the position in March 2026, as did the village administrator, according to WCPO.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Ohio town puts entire police force, police chief on leave. What we know
Reporting by Jason Rossi, Cincinnati Enquirer / Cincinnati Enquirer
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